The movie is Metal: A Headbanger's Journey
You may not have heard about it, but it has received lots of great reviews and if you've ever been a fan, I'm sure there's something in there you'll enjoy. If heavy metal has never been in your life, the movie serves as a perfect documentary on the power of music and it's impact on, or reflection of society. How did I hear about it ? Well of course, I did used to be a bit of a headbanger in my early Windsor high school years. But more interestingly, I actually played ultimate for a few years with the guys that made the movie - Sam Dunn and Scott McFadyen. Our team was called Norge which may have some connection to this movie !
Great movie, really well put together, entertaining, insightful, thought provoking. Got a bit of a headache though ! Favourite spots - heavy metal fussball; Dee Synder and Dio interviews. Those dudes in Norway were friggin scary - I've asked Sam if he was spooked interviewing them in person ? Disappointments - no disc shots ! 8/10.
For the record, my early days in Canada gave me the opportunity to see some classic heavy metal / hard rock bands in Detroit and then I reconnected with the punk stuff in university. Blue Oyster Cult, Nugent, Van Halen, AC/DC, Rainbow to Killing Joke, Forgotten Rebels and Problem Children to name a few.
A few lines from one of my all-time favourite bands (although a stretch to be categorized as heavy metal - too much love!):
It rained flowers when the music began
Love all around when the music is loud
I guess in my rush to get this out last night I forgot to add my 2 cents on the controversy surrounding heavy metal.
ReplyDeleteIn the movie, Sam clearly demonstrates that fans of heavy metal are often time outsiders and non-conformists. Heavy metal becomes a "safe place" to go to and can even be their the only saving grace for troubled younger people. I agree.
There are obviously very disturbing topics within the lyrics of heavy metal, but most of it is no more harmful than the movies and video games of today. It is an outlet.
More interstingly though, is that heavy metal may be one of the few places where it is acceptable (within its subculture) to display the darker side of human nature and feelings that many people hide inside. Again, within the confines of a concert arena or a young boy's bedroom, maybe it's a safe place to let out thoughts of anger and intolerance.
I agree with some of the thoughts of one of the young guys intereviewed (the bass player). He says heavy metal music energizes the listener and perhaps comforts the listener by saying you're not alone ! This is of course, quite opposite to the accusations that heavy metal has driven kids to suicide.
However, when the darker, inner feelings and hatred find their way out of the safe place, there is the danger the lines can become blurred and violent actions can spill into the lives of mainline society. It's quite possible that the disturbed minds behind incidents like Columbine were once tamed and held safe in the world of metal or some other music based subculture (like rap, hip hop and punk). But just like other extreme cases of violence, an unstable mind, a lack of personal support and guidence, and a lack of a respect for life can drive any type of person to these horrific acts of violence - whether it be a headbanger, a rap gangster, a high school teacher, a doctor, a neighbour.
To leave on a more pesonal note and a question to my boys. Sam and Scot are far from the outcasts that typically become fans of metal, you couldn't find a pair of friendlier, happy-go-lucky socialites ! However I did meet them thru ultimate. Maybe ultimate's subculture and tolerance for the more unusual characters is like heavy metal. Let it all out laying out for that disc !
Hi PJ,
ReplyDeleteDidn't know you banged in your yuff? Closest I got was seeing The Cult in Leicester when 17.
Have already youtube'd to death those years - there's some great stuff on there.
My thinking on the link/non-link between death and music. IMO society often looks to the black guy as the bogeyman. I talk of both skin colour and dress sense here. And society is often wrong.
I don't follow the 'blame the music argument' much - but do remember one recentish UK death that could have been attributed to a fixation with music. But wasn't.
(There are plenty of other traits of the accused to be considered, but I'm sure there were w Columbine etc..)
Here, a guy has been found guilty and jailed for shooting dead (assassination-style) a wealthy woman with whom he had no connection.
He had a fascination with one band in particular and even changed his name to reflect that of his lead singer hero.
But no mention of the significance of this was made in any of the reporting of this crime.
Maybe the reason was that his hero was Freddie Mercury. Oh, and Gary Glitter was another favourite.
No "Killer Queen!" headline?
Wiki link here
Dink Cuz,